The call came in this past thursday, 1 week after surgery, it was vry good news!! cancer was contained to only the prostrate, all other areas clear. Very reassuring to myself, but most of all Karl. He has been dealing with his care all by his self, and he is doing a good job. He is off the Vicodin, he appears to be much more calm.....it could also be the last conversation i had with him....."I am not into your pity-party!!!" Reality ck for both of us, he can care for himself, and I dont have to hover over him! He will be ok, and I will be ok.

Now, when the cather comes out this coming Friday, well, I think we all know how that is going to be. But, I am much smarter now, I will stand back wait to see how he handles it. Karl, as anyone, loves his independance, so any compromise to that is hell!

He mentions the erectile issue more than the incontentince issue. Sex was very good, and can still be.....

I think he is worried how long it will take the "tower" to erect and give good service!!! (tashjiantowers.com) communication and ham towers.

Good Armenian with a great Hispanic woman, what a combination.....watch out world!

Thanks for the support, and few personal emails, again I have appreciated all the comments and suggestions. YOU helped me make it so far, and yes, things will get better for both of us.

Thank you Sonny for your kind words look forward to speaking with you over the phone.

God bless this forum with the continued knowledge it offers

Patti with a smile

54 yr civil engineer good health, very active tennis player

last PSA reading 11/09 4.3

biopsy back 12/28 positive 3/12

Gleason score 3+3 stage T1

pathology reports and DRE supports CA contained to prostrate

Open surgery scheduled Feb. 11th, Stanford

Surgery performed as scheduled: arrival at 9:30 am, went under at 12:30pm

7 Weeks Post Op - The fears I had about bad things about the operation and recovery did not materialise except of course ED!!. Otherwise, everything went very smoothly. Incontinence not a problem. Wear a pad when out just in case. Pain was never a problem.

Great to read a much more positive report. The pathology report is the most important thing of all there, perhaps the pain pills were causing some of the attitude.

Next will be the incontinence side, if you have read here often, you know it ranges from men that go "dry" instantly or in a few days, to men that are still "wet" a year or more later. Karl won't know till after that catheter is pulled out. He will have to have reasonable expectations and goals in that department.

On the ED front, the is the greatest unknown ahead of time. No way to tell you or him what to expect there. Again, it ranges from no ED at all, myself included, to men that had both "nerves" saved and still have total ED years later. Only time will tell, and you can do is hope for the best.

Regardless on the ED front, there are ways, products, and methods that bring recovery and hope to guys in any stage of ED.

Even after the catheter is removed, Karl will need to remember that he is real close to having had a major and very complex surgery in a diffiuclt area in his body. He needs to be compliant to the recovery tips given my his medical team, and listen not only to what they tell him, but he needs to learn to listen to his body, it will tell him signals if he is overdoing it.

Glad things are more positive, hope that trend continues. Glad you stuck up for your self. His cancer affects you almost as much as him.

Hi Patti,Wonderful news! So pleased to hear things are getting better for you both and you sound positive and ready to throw yourself into the healing process, even if that means now standing back a little as you say. Strange what this process teaches us, but I hope it works out well and that you come out strong. My husband took 3 years to recover completely from the ED side effect - recovery started early but continues for some time, so best wishes for an overall complete recovery for your dear tower man. Best news of course is his great path report. Time to celebrate! cheersCreed_three (Lana) - with husband "CJ" now aged 52 yrs (49 years at diagnosis).

It sounds like a lot of good progress has been made in the last 10 days. There are still a lot of unknowns ahead of you and both of you must face them. Celebrate all of the good news, and also be strong to work through any difficulties.

Heah Patti ... was just thinking about you today and wondering how things are going! Sounds like you and Karl have turned the corner! Congratulations on the excellent path report ... bet you slept well Thursday night!

Come back and visit as often as you can ... we'd love to know how things are going.Husband diagnosed in 2/2008 at age 57 with stage T1c. Robotic surgery performed 3/2008. Stage upgraded to T3a (single small EPE in posterior left). Perineural tumor infiltration present. Apex margin, bladder neck and SV negative. Final Gleason 3+4. PSA: 0.0 til July 2009. August 2009- 0.1, September 0.3, October back to 0.0, December 0.0. Thank you God!